Will Portmore Become The 15th Parish In Jamaica?

Will Portmore Become The 15th Parish In Jamaica?

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Make space way for our new parish, Portmore! Things are forever changing on our little island. We started with 7 parishes, which morphed into 14 and now, Portmore is officially stepping into the spotlight as Jamaica’s 15th parish! 

The announcement, which has been brewing for some time (though not widely spoken about), finally became law after the government successfully pushed through the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025, despite a fiery debate in Parliament. And when we say fiery, we mean full-on walkouts and accusations flying left, right, and centre.

A Long Time Coming?

Portmore’s transition from city municipality to full-fledged parish is a historic move as this is the first time since 1867 that Jamaica is adding a new parish. That’s over 150 years!

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, made it clear that this isn’t just about adding another name to the parish list; it’s about giving Portmore the economic, social, and political opportunities it deserves. According to McKenzie, “We are providing the civic and practical developmental opportunities that will allow Portmore to achieve this outstanding milestone.”

With this change, Portmore gets a clearer path to managing its own affairs, which supporters argue means better infrastructure, more control over local governance, and an opportunity to become a powerhouse in its own right.

But Not Everyone Is Celebrating…

This wasn’t a smooth transition though. The opposition, led by Fitz Jackson, was not having it. They slammed the bill as a political ploy, with Jackson labelling it “the gerrymandering of political boundaries bill of 2025.” Harsh words! He accused the ruling JLP party of using the parish upgrade to gain political control over the area, even claiming that it would strip Portmore residents of their right to elect their own mayor.

To make things even more dramatic, opposition members walked out of Parliament before the final vote. Jackson also warned that if the People’s National Party (PNP) returns to power, they plan to repeal the law and put the decision in the hands of the people. So, the battle for Portmore might not be over just yet! With local elections right around the corner, I guess we just have to wait and see. 

What Will Change For Portmore?

With its new status, Portmore will have its own defined parish boundaries. Hellshire Hills, Goat Island, and the City of Portmore itself are officially part of the new parish. However, some areas traditionally linked to Portmore like Lakes Pen, Grange Lane, Lime Tree Grove, and Quarry Hill have been left out. (And yes, sceptics were quick to point out that those are PNP strongholds. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.)

The new parish town will be known as the City of Portmore, incorporating areas such as North Arscot, the municipal building, the police station, the Inland Revenue Department, and sections of Naggo Head and Braeton.

Are Portmore Residents Even Ready?

Not quite…not everyone in Portmore is rejoicing over this change. While some see it as an exciting step forward, others are questioning whether Portmore has the infrastructure to function as a parish. Fair concerns, if you ask me. 

Velma Brown, a Waterford resident, didn’t mince words: “They did not consult us on the issue. All we have been hearing is that Portmore will be Jamaica’s 15th parish. It is not too late for the Government to hold back and test it on the ballot in the upcoming election.”

Other residents echoed similar concerns. Portmore still doesn’t have essential amenities like a hospital, a market, or even a motor vehicle examination depot things that most other parishes already have. As one resident put it, “We are not even ready to become a parish.”

Dawn Smith, another concerned citizen, questioned the practical benefits of this move. “Simply put, it will not make Portmore richer or provide increased employment for residents. Furthermore, there are no amenities in Portmore that will prevent us from going to Spanish Town, so I think the Government should rethink this move.”

So, What’s Next?

With the bill passed in the Lower House, it now heads to the Senate for approval. If all goes smoothly, Portmore will officially join the ranks of Jamaica’s parishes, making history in the process.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) insists that this move will allow Portmore to receive its own share of parochial revenue, which could mean improved infrastructure, new schools, and finally, a hospital.

But with the PNP vowing to challenge the decision in court and repeal the law if they return to power, Portmore’s parish status may not be set in stone just yet.

So, what do you think? Is this a long-overdue move that will propel Portmore to new heights, or is it political manoeuvring dressed up as progress? One thing’s for sure, Portmore is officially at the center of Jamaica’s political and social conversation, and we’ll all be watching and waiting to see what happens next!

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References & Sources For Will Portmore Become The 15th Parish In Jamaica?

1. Gov’t approves bill to make Portmore a parish despite Opposition’s robust protest. (2025, February 12). Lead Stories | Jamaica Gleaner. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20250212/govt-approves-bill-make-portmore-parish-despite-oppositions-robust
2. Portmore residents peeved at potential annexation without consent. (2025, February 11). Lead Stories | Jamaica Gleaner. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20250211/portmore-residents-peeved-potential-annexation-without-consent
3. McLeod, S. (2025, February 12). Jamaican Parliament passes law to make Portmore 15th parish. CNW Network. https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/jamaican-parliament-passes-law-to-make-portmore-15th-parish/

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